3 men yield over P300K shabu in South Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines - Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a suspected big-time pusher and two others during a sting operation in South Cotabato last week.

PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. identified the suspected big-time pusher as Jhong Alon, 41, of Uhaw, Barangay Fatima, General Santos City and Barangay Sumbakil, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Alon's accomplices -- Allan Garcia, 29, a farmer; and Ryan Halidin, 22, a driver -- were also apprehended during the operation.

Cacdac said the suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sulit, Polomolok town at around 2 p.m. last September 18.

Seized during from the suspects during the buy-bust were 50 grams of shabu.

“The operation was a result of case operation plan: Ohio that led to the confiscation of the illegal drug worth P375,000 and the arrest of our primary target, Jhong Alon, alias Kagi Ding," Cacdac said.

When frisked, the suspects also yielded five opened sachets containing shabu residue, a pair of stainless surgical scissors, a kitchen knife, a cal. 45 pistol with amagazine containing seven live ammunition and two mobile phones.

Cacdac said that on top of the illegal drug raps, the suspects will also face cases for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.